12 Delicious Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Recipes for Beginners

Venture into the world of effortless cooking with our roundup of 12 Delicious Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Recipes for Beginners! Perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends, these recipes promise minimal prep with maximum flavor. Whether you’re craving tender pulled pork or smoky baked beans, we’ve got your BBQ cravings covered. Keep reading to discover how simple it can be to whip up mouthwatering meals that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Every bite of this slow cooker BBQ pulled pork is a flavor explosion—tender, smoky, and slathered in sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just straight off the fork.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (aka pork butt)
• a couple of cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
• a splash of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• a pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat off the pork shoulder, but leave some for flavor.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mix all over the pork shoulder, covering every inch.
4. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour in the apple cider vinegar.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.
6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and discard any large fat pieces.
7. Drain the liquid from the slow cooker, then return the shredded pork to it.
8. Stir in the BBQ sauce until the pork is fully coated.
9. Cook on low for another 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Fall-apart tender with a smoky-sweet kick, this pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser. Try it piled high on a toasted bun with a crunchy slaw or as a nacho topping for game day.

Easy BBQ Chicken Slow Cooker

Fire up your slow cooker because this BBQ chicken is about to become your weeknight hero. Just dump, set, and forget—dinner’s that easy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for max flavor)
• A cup of your fave BBQ sauce (go bold or go home)
• A splash of apple cider vinegar (for that tangy kick)
• A couple of garlic cloves, minced (because garlic is life)
• A tbsp of brown sugar (to sweeten the deal)
• A tsp of smoked paprika (hello, smokiness)
• Salt and pepper (just a pinch, you know the drill)

Instructions

1. Grab your slow cooker and toss in the chicken thighs like you mean it.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it like you’re making potion.
3. Pour the saucy mix over the chicken, making sure each piece is drowning in flavor.
4. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 hours. No peeking—trust the process.
5. After 6 hours, shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks. It should fall apart like it’s had the best nap ever.
6. Give it a good stir, then let it hang out for another 30 minutes to soak up all that saucy goodness.

This BBQ chicken is stupid tender, packed with smoky-sweet vibes, and perfect for piling high on buns or even scooping straight from the pot—no judgment here.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket

Fire up your slow cooker because we’re diving into a BBQ beef brisket that’s all about low effort and high reward. This melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece is your ticket to flavor town with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef brisket (the star of the show)
• A generous cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• A couple of tablespoons of brown sugar (for that sweet caramelization)
• A splash of apple cider vinegar (to cut through the richness)
• A teaspoon of garlic powder (because garlic is life)
• A teaspoon of onion powder (its best friend)
• Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika (for that smoky whisper)
• Salt and pepper (to get the party started)

Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving just a thin layer for flavor.
2. Rub the brisket all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Pro tip: Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb those flavors.
3. Place the brisket in your slow cooker. Pour over the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Pro tip: Mix the liquids first for an even coat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. No peeking—trust the process.
5. Once done, remove the brisket and let it rest for 10 minutes. Pro tip: This keeps it juicy when slicing.
6. Slice against the grain for tender bites, and drizzle with the cooker’s BBQ sauce.

Yum, that brisket’s so tender it practically melts on your fork. Serve it piled high on buns with pickles for crunch, or go rogue and top a baked potato. Either way, you’re winning.

Simple Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

Who says fall-off-the-bone ribs need to be complicated? **Toss** these bad boys in the slow cooker, **set it**, and **forget it** until dinner’s ready.

Ingredients

• a rack of baby back ribs (about 2 lbs)
• a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• a splash of apple cider vinegar
• a couple of garlic cloves, minced
• a tablespoon of brown sugar
• a teaspoon of smoked paprika
• a pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. **Trim** any excess fat from the ribs and **cut** them into individual portions for easier serving.
2. **Mix** the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create your marinade.
3. **Coat** the ribs evenly with the marinade, making sure every piece is covered. Pro tip: Let them sit in the fridge for an hour if you’ve got time—it’s a game-changer for flavor.
4. **Place** the ribs in the slow cooker and **pour** any remaining marinade over the top.
5. **Cook** on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. They’re ready when the meat pulls away from the bone with a fork.
6. **Broil** the ribs on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes to get that sticky, caramelized finish. Watch them closely to avoid burning!

Outrageously tender with a smoky-sweet kick, these ribs are begging to be piled high on a bun or served alongside crispy roasted potatoes. **Dive in**—your future self will thank you.

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Perfect for those lazy Sundays when you crave something hearty without the hassle. These BBQ meatballs are your slow cooker’s best friend—set it, forget it, and come back to magic.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (the good stuff, 80/20)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (the plain kind, nothing fancy)
• 1 large egg (cracked, not carton)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (because fresh is too much work)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (same lazy logic applies)
• 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch, really)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’re feeling extra)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought is fine, we’re not judging)
• 1/4 cup water (just a splash to thin the sauce)

Instructions

1. Grab a big bowl. Toss in the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands—yes, it’s messy, but it’s the best way.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Pro tip: Wet your hands to prevent sticking.
3. Place the meatballs in your slow cooker. Crowd them in there; they’ll shrink as they cook.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and water. Pour this saucy goodness over the meatballs.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours. No peeking—trust the process.
6. After 4 hours, give them a gentle stir. If they’re falling apart, they’re perfect.

Out of the slow cooker, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky-sweet BBQ flavor. Serve them over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food hack, or skewer them with toothpicks for a party-ready appetizer.

Slow Cooker BBQ Turkey Legs

Transform your dinner game with these fall-off-the-bone Slow Cooker BBQ Turkey Legs. They’re juicy, smoky, and stupid easy to make.

Ingredients

• 4 turkey legs (because who stops at one?)
• A cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (go bold or go home)
• A splash of apple cider vinegar (for that tangy kick)
• A couple of garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best)
• A tablespoon of brown sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
• A teaspoon of smoked paprika (smoky vibes only)
• Half a teaspoon of salt (just enough to season)
• A quarter teaspoon of black pepper (for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick spray. No one likes scrubbing later.
2. Place the turkey legs in the slow cooker. Fit them snugly but don’t overcrowd.
3. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour this magic over the turkey legs.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. High heat is a no-go here; low and slow wins the race.
5. After 6 hours, check the turkey legs. The meat should pull away easily from the bone. If not, give it another 30 minutes.
6. Once done, carefully remove the turkey legs and let them rest for 5 minutes. This keeps all those juicy flavors locked in.
7. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side and a pile of napkins. Trust us, you’ll need them.

Now, these turkey legs are all about that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a smoky-sweet flavor that’ll have you licking your fingers. Try shredding the meat and piling it high on a toasted bun for a next-level sandwich.

Easy BBQ Sausage Slow Cooker

Just when you thought BBQ couldn’t get any easier, this slow cooker sausage recipe proves you wrong. **Juicy**, smoky, and hands-off—your future self will thank you.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• a splash of apple cider vinegar
• a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced bell pepper
• a pinch of garlic powder

Instructions

1. **Toss** all the ingredients into your slow cooker. No pre-cooking needed here.
2. **Stir** everything together until the sausage and veggies are evenly coated with the BBQ sauce mixture.
3. **Set** your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 4 hours. Tip: If you’re in a rush, high for 2 hours does the trick, but low and slow wins the flavor race.
4. **Check** the sausage at the halfway mark, giving it a quick stir to ensure even cooking. Tip: If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
5. **Serve** straight from the pot or pile it high on buns for epic sandwiches. Tip: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Unbelievably tender with a smoky-sweet kick, these sausages are a crowd-pleaser. Try serving them over a bed of creamy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

Perfect for game day or a lazy weekend, these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings are a no-fuss, flavor-packed win. Just toss everything in and let the magic happen.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs of chicken wings, tips removed
• A generous cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• A couple of tablespoons of honey
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• A pinch of garlic powder
• A dash of onion powder
• Salt and pepper, just enough to season

Instructions

1. Season the chicken wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. This combo is the secret to sticky, sweet, and tangy wings.
3. Place the wings in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them. Toss to coat every wing in that delicious sauce.
4. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 4 hours. Tip: Resist the urge to peek too often; keeping the lid on ensures even cooking.
5. After 4 hours, check the wings. They should be tender but not falling apart. If you like them extra sticky, broil them on a baking sheet for 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot. Tip: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions adds a fresh contrast to the rich BBQ flavor.

Best enjoyed when the meat’s falling-off-the-bone tender and the sauce is gloriously sticky. Try serving them over a pile of crispy fries for the ultimate indulgence.

Simple Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops

Zesty and effortless, these BBQ pork chops are your slow cooker’s next viral hit. Just set, forget, and come back to tender, flavor-packed meat that falls right off the bone.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• A cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• A couple of garlic cloves, minced
• A tablespoon of brown sugar
• A teaspoon of smoked paprika
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Lay the pork chops in the slow cooker in a single layer—no stacking to ensure even cooking.
3. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the pork chops, making sure each one is nicely coated.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. Pro tip: Resist the urge to peek; keeping the lid on locks in moisture and flavor.
5. Once done, carefully remove the pork chops. They should be so tender that they practically fall apart when you touch them.
6. For an extra flavor boost, skim the fat off the sauce in the slow cooker and drizzle it over the pork chops before serving.

Now, these chops are melt-in-your-mouth tender with a smoky-sweet kick that’s downright addictive. Serve them piled high on a bun for a killer sandwich or alongside some creamy coleslaw to cut through the richness.

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Let’s turn that slow cooker into your new best friend with these melt-in-your-mouth BBQ beef sandwiches. Perfect for lazy days but packed with flavor that’ll make you look like a pro.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
• A couple of cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• 6 hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions

1. Place the beef chuck roast in your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the beef.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Tip: For extra tenderness, let it go the full 8 on low.
4. Once done, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Tip: The meat should fall apart easily—if not, it needs more time.
5. Let the shredded beef soak in the sauce for about 10 minutes. Tip: This step is key for maximum flavor absorption.
6. Serve the BBQ beef on toasted hamburger buns.

You’ll love how the beef is juicy and packed with smoky-sweet BBQ goodness. Try topping with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast or serving with pickles on the side for a tangy kick.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Unlock the easiest, most flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort. This slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is your ticket to a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• A cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• A couple of garlic cloves, minced
• A tablespoon of brown sugar
• A teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Half a teaspoon of onion powder
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Tip: For a deeper flavor, let the sauce sit for 10 minutes before using.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Tip: Resist the urge to open the lid; keeping it closed ensures even cooking.
5. Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Tip: For extra tenderness, let the chicken sit in the sauce for 10 minutes after shredding.
6. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

Fall in love with the smoky, tangy flavors and the irresistibly tender texture. Serve it piled high on buns for classic sandwiches, or get creative with tacos, salads, or even loaded fries.

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Veggie Stew

Y’all, this stew is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Packed with smoky BBQ flavor and chunky veggies, it’s a hands-off dinner win.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of diced sweet potatoes
• 1 cup of chopped carrots
• 1 cup of chopped celery
• 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of BBQ sauce
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp of smoked paprika
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• A couple of dashes of hot sauce

Instructions

1. Chop all your veggies into bite-sized pieces—no need to be perfect here.
2. Toss the sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, black beans, and diced tomatoes into your slow cooker.
3. Pour in the BBQ sauce, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 hours. Tip: If you’re in a hurry, high for 3 hours does the trick.
5. Check the stew at the 5-hour mark. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender. If not, give it another 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of vegan sour cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Unbelievably tender veggies soak up that smoky BBQ goodness, making every spoonful a flavor bomb. Try scooping it up with garlic bread or over a pile of fluffy rice for the ultimate comfort meal.

Conclusion

Cooking up a storm has never been easier with these 12 delicious, easy slow cooker BBQ recipes perfect for beginners. Whether you’re craving ribs, pulled pork, or something uniquely tasty, this roundup has you covered. We’d love to hear which recipe becomes your favorite—drop us a comment below! Don’t forget to share the love by pinning this article on Pinterest for your fellow home cooks to enjoy.